13 Oct 2009

The Buntabout contest, powered by Lightning Bolt

When it comes to the purest roots of what surfing is all about, nothing sums it up better than an event that has been held for the last 30 years in St Agnes on Cornwall's west coast. Organised by local board manufacturer Best Ever's Steve Bunt and daughter Nicola, The Buntabout brings together the local surfing community across generations with boys and girls as young as eight up to the grand veterans in their fifties.

This year's event was once again blessed with a beautiful sunny day and highly contestable surf at Chapel Porth for the Ladies, Longboard, Masters and Open divisions. The junior divisions had competed the weekend before at Trevaunance Cove, but Contest Director Minnow Green had made the right call in holding off the Seniors in hope of better conditions. Standouts of the day were under 18 winner Morgan Elston that went on to take 3rd place in the Open with a convincing display of powerful moves, and Paul 'Gib' Dye proved that he's lost none of his flair in winning the Masters. In the Open final European Longboard Champion Ben Skinner went down a few board sizes and showed his versatility with a repertoire of fast fluid surfing, but it was not quite good enough and the judges decision went with last year's winner Robin Kent, surfing the wave he knows inside out.Open Winner Robin KentDritwood Spars Barstaff with their new teesOn Sunday evening the Driftwood Spars Hotel was packed full for the prize giving celebrations, concluding what was once again a most memorable occassion. Not only was it a great event, but once again money was raised for the Precious Lives Appeal.Lightning Bolt is proud to be associated with The Buntabout and supported them in supplying the prizes for the Masters Division. Watch out for Gibby (right side) in his new Polar Fleece Jacket.